When the Second World War was declared in September 1939, Northamptonshire was better prepared for the years that followed than it had been twenty-five years earlier. Lessons had been learned from the First World War, and people were far more aware of the impact modern warfare could have on their lives.
Through film, press and radio, they were able to monitor the events in Europe in a way unprecedented by any previous generation, which led to a greater understanding of world politics and a realization that the rise to power of Adolf Hitler would have predictable repercussions. So, when Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain addressed the nation after Germany’s armies had invaded Poland, war, for many, had already become inevitable.
But what exactly did this mean to the people of Northamptonshire, and how did they react to the threat of invasion? What were the consequences of the conflict on the Home Front? How did Northamptonshire’s towns and villages function through six years of grinding warfare? These questions, and many others, are examined and answered in the pages of this book.
This is the story of those who were there; the people who never accepted the possibility of defeat, who coped with rationing, blackouts, conscription and aerial bombardment, and then welcomed London’s evacuees and greeted the American Air Force with open-armed hospitality.
Using military events as a background, this book relates Northamptonshire’s story, from the parts played in the war effort by the shoe industry, the Northamptonshire Regiment, the Home Guard, the ARP and to, of course, the people.
MY REVIEW
I really enjoy the books in this series and this one was a pleasure to read, I must admit that it is quite often the photographs and the captions used that illustrate the series are what makes the books in the series so special to read. I love the insight that is given to the social history of the time too.
I love that reading the books you are transported back in time to what it would have been like at that time for the people living in the area. I live in Warwickshire so I am not too far and have visited many of the towns and cities mentioned before so it was great to see from the images used and descriptive nature, what it would have been like at the time that World War II broke out in 1939, though to it ending in 1945.
I liked that the author also added in to this book where you can still see the impact from the war on the area, through to the memorials that were added, shelters on the air bases and abandoned airfields that are still in existence which help to bring it home.
It is 5 stars from me for this one – very highly recommended – I thought that it was a great read and a great insight into what it would have been like in Northamptonshire during the period of World War II.
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